Variegata elephant bush
Portulacaria afra 'Variegata'
USDA zones9 to 11
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterNeeds dry soil
Size8 to 12 feet tall3 to 6 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
- Toxicity
- Toxic to pets
Garden uses
Notes
'Variegata' elephant bush (Portulacaria afra 'Variegata') is a succulent for borders, containers, and low maintenance hedges. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 9 and warmer, down to about 20°F (-7°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes full or part sun and dry, sandy or loamy soil. It is evergreen and drought tolerant, so it suits a dry garden. Keep it away from pets, since it is toxic to them.
Pairs well with Ghost plant, Crown of thorns, Turk's head cactus, and Hummingbird sage.